Chicken eggshells contain a high level of calcium carbonate, which allows them to store lithium. Scientists from Germany, Australia and Japan found that if they washed, dried and crushed egg shells to a powder, the end product could conduct power. The next step is to use the same process to create electrodes to power batteries, according to the team.

The experiment used supermarket-bought caged eggs. The team has not tried the experiment using free-range eggshells.

Takeaway:

The team's research has major implications for renewable energy, according to team member Dr. Manickam Minakshi. “Using chicken eggshells in this manner not only has the potential to reduce the amount of bio-waste that is produced, but it also has the potential to add considerable value to the renewable energy market," he said. Springwise has spotted a number of innovations that turn bio-waste into fuel or alternative energy sources, including turning kelp into biofuel and recycling used coffee grounds into fire logs.